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Kimberly Houk reportingWinter weather is finally settling on the valley, dumping lots of cold wet snow for the first time this season.
Along with the snow came slick freeways, many accidents, and cars sliding off the roads. All of this prompted another warning from officers to slow down, especially on canyon roads where people are heading up to ski.
Earlier Sunday, Big Cottonwood Canyon was closed down while officers cleaned up a 20 car pile-up. Police say these kinds of accidents happen on days like today. People try to make it up this canyon to go skiing, but they don't have 4 wheel drive, or chains.
"It is a bummer, a real bummer. I want to go skiing."
But instead of hitting the fresh powder, Chris and his friends were stranded with many other drivers at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. After a 20 car pile-up shut it down.
Lenny Bruno, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: They're having a hard time, b/c vehicles are coming up and not reading the warning sign that says 4 wheel drive or chains only. They're all over sideways on the road-way and we're having to use tow trucks, and our vehicles to get them out of the canyon."
The canyon wasn't the only place seeing lots of snow.
From Bountiful to Lehi, the snow dropped heavy wet flakes causing cars to slide off the roads, and putting snow plows out in full force.
Chains are now a requirement for people who want to travel up this Big Cottonwood canyon to go skiing, if they only have 2 wheel drive. And officers say they will be writing tickets for those caught without the chains.
